The construction of the Southern Delivery System, a 62-mile water pipeline that has been under discussion for 15 years, edged closer to becoming a reality after the City Council Tuesday approved on a 8-1 vote the first two of six planned 12 percent water rate hikes.

Jerry Forte, the chief executive officer of Colorado Springs Utilities, hailed the decision as an “historic vote” while acknowledging the burden that the rate increases will place on ratepayers.